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1. What is a critical area?

A critical area is a wetland, fish and wildlife habitat area, flood hazard area, landslide hazard area or other geologically hazardous areas. The goal of the regulations that apply to work within critical areas depends on the specific critical area. Some seek to prevent environmental impacts; some seek to provide for the health, safety, and welfare of the public; and some seek to prevent negative impacts to development itself.

2. Is it still a wetland if it only has water in it in the spring?

Yes, some wetlands are only wet seasonally. An area can be inundated or saturated for as little as 5% of the growing season and, as long as the soils and vegetation criteria are met, still meet wetland criteria. Other signs of hydrology can be looked for when water is not present, such as watermarks, water stained leaves, and sediment deposits.

3. How big is the buffer on my wetland or stream?

We won't know until we get out to the site and categorize the wetland (or stream). Buffers can vary from 25 to 300 feet (65 to 150 feet for stream).

4. I've heard I can reduce the buffer to fit my proposal. Is this true?

Pierce County Code allows a critical area buffer to be modified by a specific amount and only under certain circumstances. If your project is undergoing critical areas review, your biologist will determine whether or not your proposal meets these requirements and the buffer can be modified. If you want to modify the buffer beyond what is allowed in Pierce County Code, you may need to apply for a variance to the regulations.

5. Are Bald Eagles still protected?

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service removed the bald eagle from the federal list of threatened and endangered species in 2007. However, bald eagles and their nests are still protected by the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and under Pierce County Title 18E, Development Regulations-Critical Areas. The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act also prohibits disturbance or molesting of eagles. Despite state and federal protection, a large percentage of fatalities of adult bald eagles have human related causes, including shooting, poisoning, vehicle collisions, and electrocution, and a black market trade in eagle feathers and parts still exists.

6. Can I still build on my parcel?

The regulations were written to ensure that all existing parcels of record could be developed with a 'reasonable use'. Even if the entire site is Wetland/stream/buffer, there are provisions that allow construction of a house or other development consistent with zoning.

7. Why do we care about protecting fish and wildlife?

Many land use activities can impact the habitats of fish and wildlife. Special care must be taken in the management of lands that support critical fish and wildlife species to ensure that development occurs in a manner that is sensitive to their habitat needs in accordance with the goals and policies of the Washington State Environmental Policy Act, the Washington State Growth Management Act and the Pierce County Critical Areas Ordinance, all of which call for the protection of the natural environment and public health, safety and welfare through protection of environmentally critical areas.

8. How can I find out if there are Wetland or Fish and Wildlife Critical Areas on my property?

Start by using our  About My Property website, it returns this type of information about a parcel. Please keep in mind, the actual presence or absence of critical areas on the ground, as defined in Title 18E of the Pierce County Code, determines permit requirements for property in unincorporated Pierce County, regardless of what is contained in maps and other documents. Pierce County has not mapped all critical areas on all property within Pierce County. Customers or property owners may Ask a Permit Technician or the Biologist of the Day (BOD) at (253) 798-7005 to discuss the process of finding out whether a property contains wetlands or fish and wildlife critical areas. Please have the Tax Parcel Number available.

9. What is the purpose of the critical area requirements?

Critical areas requirements implement the goals and policies of the Washington State Environmental Policy Act, the Washington State Growth Management Act and the Pierce County Critical Areas Ordinance, all of which call for the protection of the natural environment and public health, safety and welfare through protection of environmentally critical areas.

10. Where can I find out about Pierce County's Critical Areas Ordinance?

Information about the Critical Areas Ordinance is contained in Pierce County's Title 18E, Development Regulations-Critical Areas.

11. Why do I have to pay such high taxes on my property when it is mostly fish and wildlife habitat area?

The wetland (and some fish and wildlife habitat areas) on your property may allow you to qualify for a reduction in property taxes through Current Use Assessment , which could lower the assessed value of your property. You may also direct your questions about the program to Chad Williams at 253-798-3683.